Family, friends and staff gathered at Caer Gwent residential home in Worthing this week to mark a very special milestone as Patrick, a long-time Worthing resident, celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by generations of his family and former colleagues from his days in the fire services and the Royal Navy.

Born in 1925, Patrick has led a rich and varied life. He served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, taking part in the dangerous Arctic convoys, for which he was awarded a medal in later life. He went on to work in many roles, from being a milkman in the days when they had to use bicycle s and horses, to running his own businesses including greengrocers, newsagents and post offices. He also served in the fire brigade and was an active member of a local film and video group in the 1970s.

His 100^th birthday was celebrated with a special party arranged his daughter Lynda at the piano lounge at Caer Gwent. On display were photos of Patrick over the years, his medals, a flags from the Royal Navy, a special birthday cake and a signed birthday card from the King & Queen.

“We had a fantastic time,” said Lynda. “The staff were all amazing and the food was great.”

Patrick, one of eight siblings, often talks about his brother Gordon who died during the war at the age of 18. His family has grown over the years to include three children, Lynda, Roger and Chris, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson, Ronnie. While some relatives live locally in Worthing and Sompting, others are as far away as Spain, Thailand, and the United States.

Clare Feest, home manager at Caer Gwent, said, “It’s a real privilege to care for someone like Patrick who has experienced and achieved so much. Celebrating a 100th birthday is a very special occasion, so it was wonderful to see him and his family enjoying all the celebrations – especially with the surprise of a fire engine arrived in his honour!”

Patrick was given a framed letter of congratulations by Chief Fire Officer Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton. He retired from the fire service in 1985, enjoying his motorbikes into his 70s, gardening, music and was an active member of an amateur film/video group. Patrick remained independent and active until just a couple of years ago. He moved to Caer Gwent last year, where he has now settled into life at Guild Care’s residential home. Lynda added, “Dad enjoys his time at Caer Gwent, the staff are very kind and friendly. I don’t think he could be in a better place.”

From all of us at Guild Care, ‘Congratulations Patrick and a very happy 100^th birthday!’